Argentine provinces see major export growth driven by mining and energy

Several Argentine provinces have experienced significant surges in export activity, driven largely by the mining and energy sectors. According to Indec data comparing the first half of 2023 to 2026, Catamarca led the growth with a 195.1% increase, followed by Neuquén (156.6%), Santa Cruz (128.1%), San Juan (127.4%), Salta (102.9%), and Jujuy (100.4%).

In Neuquén, the growth is primarily fueled by crude oil from Vaca Muerta, which accounted for 90.7% of its exports. In Catamarca, the rise is linked to chemical products, including lithium. San Juan's export growth was heavily influenced by precious metals and stones, which drove a 55.75% increase in FOB value when included in the total.

Despite these macroeconomic gains, regional challenges persist. In Catamarca, the rapid export growth has been contrasted by reports of neglected rural economies, infrastructure deterioration, and institutional fragility in the province's interior.